Hi, I've just ordered a refurbed steering wheel from Royal.. does anyone know if there any threads with step by step instructions / pictures on how to remove old / fit new on here? Many thanks Alan
Help re steering wheel
- Thread starter Alan W
- Start date
what kind of wheel do you have? I have taken off the standard model (see below) a couple times and might give you a few tips, I have no experience with the ///M model though.
Davyhoogy
Zorg Guru (III)
I need to do mine tonight too ive ordered mine
Two torx screws on the back hold the air bag in place, once loose unplug it. Then your looking at the steering wheel bolt. Oh and disconnect the battery. Take note of the steering wheel orientation so it lines up it's on a spline.
Lee
Lee
When you come to removing the airbag squib (often referred to as the "clock spring" ) you need to maintain it's location position as shown. If the centre piece is allowed to turn, even only 1 turn, from it's position you can end up with several different problems. It is very easy to fix it by a strip of tape and that will eliminate any chance of problems, @Bozzy
This is in my Z4 , obviously, but the principal is the same on what ever type of car, not just BMW.
Tony.
This is in my Z4 , obviously, but the principal is the same on what ever type of car, not just BMW.
Tony.
Thanks guys.. tony please excuse my crap mechanical skills.. that round black bit youve taped up in that photo.. when you pull the wheel off l take it that remains in situ? And do the two diagonally opposite lugs fit into the back of airbag / wheel? Is that what has to be lined up?
Hi Alan, yes that is the "clock Spring" really just a very long coiled electrical connector which allows the steering to operate fron lock to lock, it is calibrated to be able to read the steering angle so it is imperitive that when you remove the wheel it is NOT allowed to turn. Outer part is located to stay stationary and the inner turns with the steering. This stays on the column after you disconnect the wires, the lugs locate on the back of the steering wheel so that it turns with the wheel. This is the connection that actually fires the airbag. Please remember to disconnect the negative terminal on your battery before commencing this job, also do not have the key in the ignition, have it in your pocket till after you re connect the battery to avoid any error codes.
Tony.
Tony.
You're making me nervous Tony.. not about the airbag.. but about messing up lining up the clock spring.. is it easy to mess it up or is it pretty self evident when you see it?
Nothing to be nervous about mate. If you have the wheel in the straight ahead position when you pull it off ( the spline is a parallel one not like most which were tapered) and comes very easily. Disconnect the wires, remove the wheel, add a bit of tape. Put the wheel back on in the straight ahead position and it will be fine. I'll see if I can find some video, leave it with me.
Tony.
Tony.
Thanks you are a star!!
Found this, possibly different wheel to yours but principal is the same. Slightly different from a Z4 in that the clockspring is fastened to the bottom of the wheel by three screws. @Bozzy had his in bits at the shed one Saturdaybut I don't know if he took any pictures?
Tony.
I don't have any pics on my phone of my incompetant cock up,there may be some on another thread.
But my mistake was not unpluging the orange connector on the underside of the steering column,so when I pulled the steering wheel off the splines the tape unraveled,thought I had managed to correct it but obviously not,because when I turned left out of the drive the tape snapped bringing on the air bag light
.I'm very lucky the air bag didn't activate.
Easily resolved with a replacement slip ring assembly and a warning light reset gadget.
Steve
Hey thanks Steve, just trying to show Alan that it's not hard to change his wheel. If he was near I'd offer to do it as I'm sure you would mate.I don't have any pics on my phone of my incompetant cock up,there may be some on another thread.
But my mistake was not unpluging the orange connector on the underside of the steering column,so when I pulled the steering wheel off the splines the tape unraveled,thought I had managed to correct it but obviously not,because when I turned left out of the drive the tape snapped bringing on the air bag light
I'm very lucky the air bag didn't activate.
Easily resolved with a replacement slip ring assembly and a warning light reset gadget.
Steve
Tony.
ps. I will PM soon and fill you in on some stuff mate.
.
@Alan W I do have the same wheel as yours now, the other wheel was on my 1.9i a few years ago.
I must say the ///M wheel looks much easier, the one I had was a real bi*** to take off...it involved you sticking two long screwdrivers on two holes on the sides and start poking around looking for the springs release until a 1kg heavy airbag would eventually be dropped right on your nuts.
I must say the ///M wheel looks much easier, the one I had was a real bi*** to take off...it involved you sticking two long screwdrivers on two holes on the sides and start poking around looking for the springs release until a 1kg heavy airbag would eventually be dropped right on your nuts.
Davyhoogy
Zorg Guru (III)
Oh, i just gave the dog the tools and told him to get at it. He said he didnt know what all the fuss was about.
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I removed my wheel earlier this week and used this guide which makes it very simple:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?854583-DIY-swapping-Z3-steering-wheels
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?854583-DIY-swapping-Z3-steering-wheels
Davyhoogy
Zorg Guru (III)
In regards to refitting. Ive had the alignment done (apparently) and the wheel is still unlevel when driving straight, can i just adjust this when refitting, so its straight?